Yummy Backpacking Banana Peanut Oatmeal
There’s nothing quite like waking up in the wilderness, unzipping your tent, and breathing in that crisp, fresh air. But let’s be honest, mornings on the trail can be rough without a good breakfast. This is where my quick and easy backpacking banana peanut oatmeal comes in.
This delicious nutty and sweet oatmeal offers the perfect blend of energy, flavor, and simplicity. It’s like having dessert for breakfast but without the sugar crash. Packed with fiber, protein, and just the right amount of sweetness, this oatmeal will fuel your body out on the trails and keep you satisfied for hours.
Why I Love This Banana Peanut Oatmeal
Oatmeal is probably one of the most common breakfast meals out on the trail. However, after awhile I was tired of eating the same old oatmeal packets. I went on a mission to add some variety and some more fresh ingredients. I wanted something that would also keep me a little fuller for a longer out on the trail.
The first time I tried this recipe, it was… alright. Just oats, powdered peanut butter, and dehydrated banana chips. It did the job, but I knew it could be better. So, I started experimenting. The game-changer? Adding a touch of cinnamon, a sprinkle of chia seeds, and crushed peanuts for that extra texture and nutritional boost. Also, swapping out plain water for a splash of powdered whole milk gave it a creamy, rich taste, without the weight of fresh ingredients.
I’ve made this banana peanut oatmeal on multiple backpacking trips and these oats have not disappointed me yet. Whether you’re gearing up for a long hike or just need a quick comforting meal before breaking camp, this recipe’s got your back and the fiber will keep you full.. Give it a try on your next trip, and don’t be surprised if it becomes your go-to trail breakfast, too!
Ingredients for Banana Peanut Oatmeal
Here’s everything you need to make this delicious, energy-boosting backpacking banana peanut oatmeal:
Ingredients (Per Serving):
- ½ cup Instant Oats – Quick-cooking and lightweight.
- Substitution: Rolled oats work too, but they’ll need a bit more cooking time.
- 2 tablespoons Powdered Peanut Butter – Adds flavor and protein without the weight of regular peanut butter. I use PB2 powder.
- Substitution: Regular peanut butter packets if you don’t mind a little extra weight.
- ¼ cup Crushed Dehydrated Banana Chips – Sweet fruity crunch. These banana chips are great
- Substitution: Dried banana slices, freeze dried bananas, or different dried fruits
- 1 teaspoon Chia Seeds (Optional) – For fiber and texture.
- Substitution: Ground flaxseed or skip it altogether.
- ½ teaspoon Cinnamon (Optional) – Adds a hint of spice, warmth, and depth of flavor.
- Substitution: Nutmeg or pumpkin pie spice for a different vibe.
- 1 tablespoon Crushed Peanuts (Optional) – Adds crunchy texture and nuttiness
- Substitution: Can use almonds, walnuts, pecans or any other nut
- 1 to 2 Honey Packets – Adds a floral sweetness to compliment the peanut butter powder
- Substitution: Add 1 or 2 tsp of brown sugar or sugar in the raw
- 1 tablespoon Powdered Whole Milk – Makes it creamy without needing fresh milk.
- Substitution: Powdered non fat milk, Coconut powder, or skip for a less creamy version.
- Pinch of Salt – Enhances all the flavors.
Let’s Make This Banana Peanut Oatmeal Together
1. At Home: Pre Pack Your Ingredients
Measure out all the dry ingredients and mix them together in a resealable bag or container.
2. On the Trail: Cooking
First, bring about 1/2 cup of water to a boil. Secondly, pour the banana peanut oatmeal mix in a bowl or your pot. If you are using a resealable mylar bag you will pour the hot water into your bag and then seal it closed.
3. Final Touches
Give the oatmeal one more stir and enjoy.
Adjust the amount of water to your desired consistency – less water for thicker oatmeal, more water for a porridge like texture. Stir well and allow the oatmeal to sit for at least a minute to thicken up some.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is peanut butter a good backpacking food?
Yes! Even though this recipe uses powder peanut butter, I love bringing peanut butter packets on backpacking trips because it’s calorie-dense, packed with protein and healthy fats, and doesn’t require refrigeration. Plus, it’s super versatile, I can eat it with crackers, tortillas, or even straight from a packet.
Is it okay to eat bananas with oatmeal?
Absolutely! Bananas are one of my favorite things to add to oatmeal. Bananas are the star players in my banana peanut oatmeal they add natural sweetness and a good dose of potassium, which helps with muscle function. The combination makes for a filling and nutritious breakfast, whether I’m at home or in the backcountry.
Is oatmeal and peanut butter healthy for you?
Yes, I’d say it’s a great combo! Oatmeal gives me slow-burning carbs and fiber, while peanut butter adds protein and healthy fats, keeping me full for longer. I often eat it before a long day on the trail because it fuels me up without making me feel sluggish. Plus, it’s an easy and satisfying meal to make.
How do you pack peanut butter for backpacking?
When I’m backpacking, I like to keep things super simple, I’ll bring single-serving packets, which are mess-free and easy to portion out or will use powdered peanut butter like I do in this banana peanut oatmeal recipe.
Backpacking Banana Peanut Oatmeal
Equipment
- MSR Pocket Rocket Deluxe Stove
- TOAKS Titanium 750mL Pot
- UCO 4 Piece Mess kit
- Humangear GoBites Uno Spork
Ingredients
- ½ cup Instant Oats
- 2 tablespoons Powdered Peanut Butter
- ¼ cup Crushed Dehydrated Banana Chips
- 1 teaspoon Chia Seeds Optional
- ½ teaspoon Cinnamon Optional
- 1 tablespoon Crushed Peanuts Optional
- 1 or 2 Honey Packets
- 1 tablespoon Powdered Whole Milk
- 1 Pinch Salt
Instructions
- Measure out all the dry ingredients and mix them together in a resealable bag or container.
- Bring about 1/2 cup of water to a boil.
- Pour the banana peanut oatmeal mix in a bowl, pot, or leave in mylar bag
- Pour water into the pot, bowl or mylar bag.
- Stir well and allow the oatmeal to sit for at least a minute to thicken up some.
- Give the oatmeal one more stir and enjoy.
Notes
- Nutrition Facts: Calories – 432 | Fat- 11g | Carbs – 74g | Protein – 17g
- Adjust the amount of water to your desired consistency – less water for thicker oatmeal, more water for a porridge like texture.